Multi-way ladder



c. E. LARSON MULTI-WAY LADDER 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filqd Sept. 21, 1955 INVENTOR ClayconELarson I BY ATTORNEYS 1959 c. E. LARSON 2,899,008

MULTI-WAY LADDER Filed Sept. 21, 1955 s Sheets-Sheet 3 z INVENTOR ClagconELarson ATTORNEYS United States Patent MULTI-WAY LADDER Clayton E. Larson, Weston, Conn., assignor to White Metal Rolling & Stamping Corporation, Brooklyn, N.Y., a corporation of New York Application September 21, 1955, Serial No. 535,558

5 Claims. (Cl. 182-25) This invention relates to multi-way ladders, i.e., combination ladders which may be used to do the work of a number of basic type ladders, e.g., step, stair well and extension ladders.

Field of invention The general idea of making ladders in such form that they may be changed by rather simple manipulation from one standard form to another, e.g., from a step ladder into an extension ladder, *has been known for many years. As a matter of fact, numerous forms of such combination ladders have been developed and marketed from time to time. For example, U.S. Patent 758,659 discloses an early development of a ladder having telescoping legs so that it can be converted from a regular step ladder into a so-called stair well ladder. However, the ladder of this early patent cannot be transformed into an extension ladder, but the general idea of providing a step ladder which may be changed into an extension ladder is shown in other patents, e.g., U.S. 2,152,846.

As the art of ladder manufacture has progressed, designers and manufacturers have attempted to improve upon the early ideas of constructing combination ladders to make the new ladders oi the simplest construction, and yet to serve as many difierent purposes and to be convertible into as many diflerent forms of ladders as possible. At the same time, it has also been the desire of the trade to create combination ladders which are convertible from one basic form to another in the easiest way and without detracting from the use of the ladder by the conversion from, for example, a step ladder into a stair well ladder.

Historically, wood has been the basic material from which ladders of all types have been made. However, in view of the gradual improvements in metallurgy and the production of stronger and lighter alloys, there has been a demand created for metal ladders, since the metal ladders can usually be made lighter in weight than- A recent development in the formation of metal combination ladders is disclosed in U.S. 2,313,469. This metal ladder is capable of quick and easy conversion from a step ladder to an extension ladder, but inorder to obtain stability and durability in the product, it was necessary to sacrifice possible use of the ladder in a stair well arrangement. Furthermore, in neither of these two recent ladders was it possible to include a bucket rack,

Also, portions of 2,899,008 Patented Aug. 11, 1959 although such racks are generally demanded by purchasers of step ladders.

Objects (1) The provision of mnlti-way combination ladders,

which may be more easily converted from one form of ladder to another than prior known combination ladders.

(2) The provision of a combination ladder which does not require some part to extend over or across the ladder steps in order to arrange it for use in any of its possible forms, i.e., obstructions to free use of the step area are not created when it is set-up in any arrangement.

(3) The provision of a multi-Way combination ladder construction which enables a sturdy and durable ladder to be made almost completely from magnesium metal.

(4) The creation of a combination ladder which is extremely strong, sturdy and free of sway, danger of collapse or the like when in use.

(5) The provision of a single, very light weight, sturdy ladder which fulfills all the ladder needs of the general home-owner or handyman.

(6) The construction of a ladder which may be placed against a wall, floor or the like in any one of its numerous possible ways or positions without damage to the supporting surface by the ladder.

(7) The provision of a combination ladder which aflfords the user with the maximum degree of safety and freedom from injury during use.

Other objects and further scope of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter; it should be understood, however, that the detailed description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, is given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

General description These objects are accomplished according to the present invention by constructing a multi-way ladder to comprise a front step section which'preferably tapers outwardly from the top to the bottom, an upper rear section hinged at its top end to brackets carried upon the A more complete understanding of the new multi-way ladders of this invention and their manner of use mayf be had by reference to the following drawings and detailed description in which: a

Figure 1 is a perspective rear view of the new way ladders;

Figure 2 is a side view of the ladder of Figure 1, with the upper and lower rear ladder sections positioned to.

form a step well arrangement;

multi- I fi u 5. S;.. View .Qf-the l r f "Figure '1,

howi g the. c mbin d uppe andlowe r ar ladder sec.- tions raised and fastened into an extension ladder arrangement;

iisure is a se ti na fra me a en ar d Vi w showing the hooks and related elements providedfor the manner of mounting the bucket rack upon the upper rear-ladder section;

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective-view of-the spreader lock; portionof-the new ladders; and

Figure 9 is afragmentary enlarged rear view of one of;the--feet portions of the lower'rear ladder section.

Detailed description Referring in detail to the drawings, the new multiway ladder basicallycornprises afront step-section 2, an upper rear rung section 4, a'lower rear rung section 6, spreader means 8, extension arrangement locking means 10 and bucket rack 12.

The front stepsection 2 comprises a pair ofrails 14 of-channel form, preferably made from extruded magnesium, defined by a side 16, front-portion 18 and rear portion 20. A plurality-of flat steps consistingof atop step '22 and a plurality of lower steps 24 are carried between the side rails 14 such asbeing fastened to the front and rear portions 18 and 20' thereof, e.g., by rivets 26. V

'Eachsucceeding step 24 is made slightly wider than the one above it so that the front ladder section 2 tapers outwardly from top to bottom, such as about one inch per-foot ofheight. The steps 22 and 24, as can beseen in-more detail by referring to Figure 4, consists of an extruded magnesiummetal channel having a longitudinally serrated top surface 28, depending frontside 30, depending rear side 32 and a depending central reinforcing rib 34. All of the steps, including thetop step, arepreferably set at a-slight angle, such asabout 17,

to the side rail so that when the ladder is arranged in step ladder fashion, the top surfaces .of the steps will be completely horizontal.

In contrast to-the lower steps 24, the top step 22 is;not riveteddirectly to the side rails 14. Instead, an angle piece 36 is riveted at the top of each side rail 14 and top step 22- is in turn fastenedto these angle members 36 by rivets 37 which extend through the step plate 22 and-topportion of the angle members 36.

'Resistance against further sway during use andrigidity is created in the front ladder section 2 by braces 38, which are riveted to the rear portions 32 of the steps 24 and the rear portions 20 of the side rails 14. Also, on the bottom step of the front section, braces 40 are riveted to the front portion 30 of the step 24 and front portion 18 of the side rail 14.

Non-marring feet for the front ladder section consists of -triangular shape members 42, which are riveted to the lower end 44 of the side rails 14; Rubber pads 46 are fastened, such as bycement or rivets, to the tringu a e mbe v o m g a a le -.s1 pping nr rqm ng rest o upp rt ng for hetrpnt dd nse t oa.

The upper rear section 4 of the ladder comprises a painof side channels 48 between which there are fastened at spaced intervals serrated rungs 50. The .rungs are preferably made of extruded magnesium metal -tubing, and this is fastened to the side channels 48 by drillor punching proper sized holes at suitable positions m thesidechannels, inserting the extruded metal rungs 50 into these holes and then welding or braising the rungs in place.

As can be seen by reference to Figure 5, the upper section side channels 48 are formed of extruded magnesium metal with a side portion 52, a front portion 54, a rear portion 56 and a side extending lug portion 58. A line of holes 60, arepunched or drilled spaced apart from one another in the rear portion 56 of the channel members48.

Added rigidity and stability in the upper rear ladder section can be obtained by fastening a rectangular tubular brace.member 57, such as by rivets, to the inside of each of the side channels 48 near the center part thereof.

The lower rear ladder section 6 is formed with two side channel members 62, to which there are fastened at spacedjintervals therebetween, serrated rungs 50. The rungsfor the lower section 6 may be fastened to the sidechannel 62 in the same fashion as the rungs in the upper section 4.

Rigidity is created in the lower section 6 by welding the arcuate braces 64 at one end to the rungs 50 and at 1 larged feet for added stability. These feet'consist of-a the other end to the inside of the channel member 62.

Referring to Figure 5, it can ''be seen that side members 62 of the lower rear section 6 are formed of extruded magnesium metal with a side portion 66, a rear portion 68, a front portion 70, and a hook extension 72. As shown in Figure 5, the lower rear ladder section 6 telescopes upon the upper section 4 by having the hook; extension 72 of the lower side channel 62 slidably enclose the lug portion 58 of the upper side channel 48.

This telescoping arrangementof the parts is simple in constructionand yet affords the high mechanicalstrength necessary to permit the ladder to be used-without fear of structural failure either in a step ladder arrangement or in an extension arrangement.

The length of the combined upper and lower rear sections is controlled -by telescoping the lower section 6 upon the upper section 4, and fixing the relative positions by the fastening means shown in Figure 5. This includes a lock pin 74 which passes through a hole 76 in the rear portion 68-of,the channel member 62, and a similar hole-78 in the front portion 70 of the channel member. A flanged, tubular guide member 80 is-riveted to the side 66 of the channel '62- to maintain thelockpin 74 in-properalignment. A coil spring 82 is compressed between the cotter'pin 84, which passes through ahole in the lock pin 74, and the inside surface of the back portion 68 of the channel 62.

The lower end of each of thetwo channel-members 62of the lower ladder section 6 are provided with enmagnesiurn metal extruded outrigger 86 defined by a base portion 88, an upwardly sloping side portion 90, a top extension 92, and an upwardly extending base lug 94. The outrigger is fastened by rivets extending through portions -92-and 94 to the channel member 62. Rubber pads 96 are fixed, such as by rivets Orcement, to the base 88 of the outrigger 86.

The combined upper and lower rear ladder sections are pivoted to the front step section upon T-shaped brackets 98, which are riveted both to the side 16 and rear 20 of the-side rails 14, between the upper step 22 and next to the top step 24. The pivoting of the combined rear section upon the brackets 98 is upon rivets or suitable other fastening means which pass through the very:

top end 100 of the upper rear section, enabling the entire combined rear section to be pivoted a complete The spreader portions 8 ,of the new ladders designed to hold the ladders instep ladder arrangement are best' understood :by reference to Figures '2 and 8. These unitsconsist of spreader straps 102 pivoted at their rear end byrivets 104 to the side 52 of upper side channels 48;

This enables the spreader straps to be rotated in a propping position, such as shown in Figure 2, or into a nonuse position, such as shown in Figures 3 and 6.

The unfastened end 106 of the spreader strap 102 contains a downwardly extending slot 108. A spreader lock bracket 110, over which the spreader strap slot 108 fits, is fastened by rivets 112 to the inner surface of the back portion 20 of the side rail 14. An L-shaped spreader lock toggle 114 is hinged by the rivet 116 to the spreader lock bracket 110. When the spreader strap 102 is positioned with the slot 108 over the spreader bracket 110, the lock toggle 114 can be raised so that its free end covers the end 106 of the spreader strap and locks it in position such as shown in Figure 1.

The spreader unit 8 is employed to fix the ladder sections in position for use as a step or stair well ladder. When the ladder is used in extension arrangement, the locking unit is employed. This unit is made up of a pair of rings 118, which slide along the top rung of the upper rear section 4, and which carry an integral hook 120. When the ladder is used inextension arrangement, such as shown in Figure 3, the hook ends 120 of locking elements 10 are inserted through holes 122 suitably punched or drilled through the top surface 28 of top step 22.

Small rubber bumpers 124 are fastened by cement or rivets to the lower front face 70 of the channel member 62 of the lower ladder section 6. These rubber bumpers prevent the ladder from marring wall portions or the like against which the ladder is propped when it is used in extension arrangement.

-,The bucket rack portion 12 of the new ladders are best viewed in Figures 1 and 7. This ladder portion consists of a pair of side angle pieces 126, to which there is fastened, such as by rivets 128 the rack planking 130. A U-shaped rack mounting bracket 132 is fastened by rivets 134 to. both the front portion 54 and rear portion 56 of the side channels 48 and the inner end 136 of the angle pieces 126 are hinged by rivets 138 to the brackets 132. A lug 140 is provided at the top of the brackets132 to limit the upward movement of the inner end 136 of the bucket rack, and thus to hold the rack in a horizontal position when the ladder is used in step ladder arrangement.

Method of use To use the new multi-way ladder as a step ladder, the

lower rear section 6 is moved down on the upper section 4, so that the lock pins 74 are securely inserted in the lowest holes 60 of the upper back section 4. Then the two spreader straps 102 are swung toward the front section 2 and the combined rear section 4 and 6 is moved backward enough so that the notch 108 on the spreader straps 102 may be inserted over the spreader brackets 110. After the notched ends are fully inserted over the edge of these brackets, the lock toggles 114 are swung over the top of the straps 102 and locked in position. Finally, the bucket rack 12 is pushed down into a horizontal position until the ends 136 of the bucket rack abut the lugs 140 of the bracket 132. The assembled ladder can now be used on an even surface as a step ladder, as illustrated in Figure 1.

To employ the new combination ladder as a stair well ladder, the unit is arranged by first placing it in the open position of a regular step ladder, as explained above, with the front section 2 faced downward on the floor. Then the lock pins 74 in the lower section 6 are pulled outwardly to disengage them from the top layer section 4, so that the lower rear section 6 may be moved along the upper section to the desired hole location, as required by the steepness of the stairs on which the ladder is to be placed. After it has been made certain that the lock pins 74 are fully engaged in the required holes 60 of the upper section 4, the ladder is set upright in the desired position on the stairs, making sure that the front steps 24 of the front section 2 are horizontal. When so used, the ladder has the appearance shown in Figure 2.

To use the new unit as an extension ladder, the bucket rack 12 is folded into line with the upper rear section channel members 48. Then the spreader straps 102 are disengaged from the lock brackets and the straps are folded either up or down into line with the upper rear section channel members 48. Next, the combined rear sections 4 and 6 are swung outward until the ladder can be laid horizontally on the ground. In this position, the hook ends of the lock means 10 are inserted in the holes 122 of the top step 22. With the ladder sections locked in this extension arrangement, the ladder is adjusted in length by pulling out lock pin 74 and moving the lower section 6 along the upper section 4 until the desired length is obtained. Care should be taken to make sure that the lock pins 74 are then fully inserted into the mating holes 60 of the upper channel members 48.

With the ladder section so arranged and the length properly adjusted, the ladder is positioned against an upright surface, as shown in Fig. 3, with the front of front section 2 facing the climber.

The new unit can also be employed as a simple single section ladder by folding in the spreader means 8 and bucket rack 12, as explained above, and then swinging back the rear sections 4 and 6 against the front section, as shown in Figure 6. Because of the arrangement of the hinge brackets 98 on the front section 2, the new' multi-way ladder can be employed, as shown in Figure 6, without danger of marring the surface against which the ladder is placed, since when so used the brackets 98 and the attached channel members 48 do not contact the wall or other surface against which the top step 22 rests. The ladder may be stored in a folded position such as shown in Figure 6, or in a step ladder arrangement such as shown in Figure 1.

I claim:

1. A combination step, stair well and extension ladder comprising a front step section which tapers outwardly from top to bottom, formed by a plurality of flat steps carried between two vertically extending side rails, an upper rear section formed by two side channel members 45 with serrated cylindrical rungs fixed at spaced intervals between the members, a lower rear section formed by two side channel members which telescope with the channel members of said upper rear section with serrated cylindrical rungs fixed at spaced intervals therebetween, a

bucket rack hinged upon the upper rear section near the top end thereof, a pair of brackets extending rearwardly from said front section between the top and next-to-top' step, said upper rear section being pivoted at its top end to said brackets, a line of spaced-apart holes through the rear surface of each of said upper rear section channel members, spring-biased lock pins carried upon the top end of each of said lower rear section channel members which may be inserted through any one of said aligned holes to lock the lower rear section on said upper rear section to give a telescoped rear unit of desired length, spreader straps pivoted upon the side channels of said upper rear section, latch means carried upon said front section side rails for fastening said spreader straps to hold the ladder sections in a step ladder arrangement, a pair of hooks carried on the top rung of said upper rear section, and a pair of holes in the top step of said front section to receive the end of said hooks and fasten the ladder section in an extension ladder arrangement.

2. A combination step, stair well and extension ladder comprising a front step section which tapers outwardly from top to bottom, formed by a plurality of fiat steps and a pair of side rails made of extruded U-shaped channels having front, side and back portions, with the open portion of said rails facing inwardly of the front ladder section, said fiat steps being fixed by rivets to the front and rear portions of said side rails, a pair of rearwardly extending brackets carried upon .said from, section. siderails atthe ,back thereof between the top step andathe next-,to-. p p, a pperreanladder sec ion f rmed by w ide channel rnembers with serrated cylindrical ,rungsfixedat spaoed intervals therebetween, .said upper; rear section beingpivoted by its upper ,ends to said brackets, a,lqwer, rear ection f rm by .two sideehannel.memberswfih serrated cylindricalrungs fixed atspacerdintervals there between, the side channels of said upper rear section h a,v-. ing longitudinal lugs extending. outwardly from -.the.,sid,es thereof and theside channel membersofsaidllower:rear section having outwardly extending semi-circularchannelexten on there n, e l r. rearsection tel c ping ont heq ppe r r see iqnbyh ving saidsemiiireular exten: sio-ns s lidably enclosesaidilugs. t

Ae m in tion l dd r a laime nelaimj2. wh rein the side ,channels of said upper rear sectionih a le a line of pa e apart holes hr ugh the rear -su f ce thereof. and. said lower rear section carries spring biased,1ock,pins upon e op en which y' i sert d th ough a y ne ef said aligned holes of theupper rear sectiontollock the lower rear section onsaid' upper rear section togiiie a. telescoped combined upper and lower rear section of 1 d e.- siredlength.

4. A combination step, stair wellandextepgionladder. 25-

cornprising a front step section -formed by a plurality.- of fla't steps carried between two vertically extending sijde, a me b s. a pp ar se o med' y two .sidev channel ,members with rungs jfixed at .spacedinteryalst b e tween the members, a lower rear unit formed'bytwo side 30 hann m s h hn ese pef he hannetmembers of said upperrearseetion with rungs fi edat-spaced intervals therebetween, a .pair of brackets extendingjcatr. wardly from said front sectionbelow the top, step thereof,

said upper rear sectionbeing piyoted atthe top endhto 35;

saidbrackets, a line of spaced-apartfholes through the rear surface of each of said upper rear seqti ntchannel, members, spring-biased lock pins carried uponthetop end of. each of said lowerrear ,unit channel members which may be inserted through any .oneof said aligned holes to lock the lower rear unit. n .said upper rear section to give a telescoped rear. assemblyof desired length, spreader straps pivoted upon theside .rnembers of, one of said ladder sections,. latch-means carried upon sidemembers of the other of said ladder sections. forfes toning said spreader straps tohold the ladder;sections-:ina step, ladder arrangement, a painof hookswarried-on the top rung of said upper rearsection, and a pairof holes inthe top step of said front section to receive. the-ends of saidhooks and'fasten the ladder sections in an extension; ladder arrangement.

.5.- At ombinatiom ten, stain-m1!candle dension ladder;

comp ng! a fron itepge etionrtermed by a plurality of.

flat steps carried, between ;'l'.W0 arerticallw extending-,side,

rail \members, .uppenrear section ,fornied by.-.two side channel members twith, rungs fixed at rspaced ,intervals, be

tween- .the members, .a .lower reanunit formed by: two; side; channel members which telescope with the channel morn-,- bersof said .upper rear section with rungs fixed-.atispaeed: intervals therebetween, a v ,pairrof brackets. .extending irear t wardly from. saidv frontsection .below the-topstep;thereof, said .upper rear section ,being pivoted .at the top. HendatQ said brackets, a linemof.spaced-apart :holes .throtrgh the:- ear surface of .eachofsaid upper. rear seetion.channel, r pring-biased-lock- .pin acarriednpon -;the, top;

' ndeteach.;of,.said;lower.rear-unitehannellmembers which la d r s ctions, latch .means carried uppn side .members.

of the. other of said ladder sectionsjor fastening saidsp reader strapsto. holdthe ladder sectiq j a.step .ladder rreng m tand hook. .meansearried by saidlupper-rearsection for fixing said ladder, sections .in. .an exte ion ladder arrangement.

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